NAIDOC Week (2nd July – 9th July) celebrates the history, culture, and remarkable contributions of First Nations People. It’s an opportunity for all Australians to learn about and acknowledge the world’s oldest continuous living culture.

This year’s theme was, “For Our Elders” and as the National NAIDOC Committee explains, “Across every generation, First Nations Elders have played and continue to play an important role and hold a prominent place in our communities and families. They are the cultural knowledge holders, trailblazers, nurturers, advocates, teachers, survivors, leaders, hard workers & loved ones. Strength is drawn from their knowledge and experience in everything from land management & culture to social justice and human rights. With this theme, we pay our respects to the Elders that have been lost, and to those who continue to fight for all First Nations People”.

Across our SCH footprint, Family Fun Days were held in the Shoalhaven, Eurobodalla, Bega Valley & Snowy Monaro, and we were proud to take part in the Nowra event on 5th July, the first held in several years after the pandemic and poor weather in 2022. Over 50 Community Service providers and food vendors came together to provide information & give-aways. There were kids’ activities, a petting zoo, giant jumping castle, and culturally based entertainment from performers from across our region; the Shoalhaven NAIDOC Committee ensured the day was a huge success.

With our stall, we were able to engage with the community and showcase many of the programs and initiatives SCH are undertaking with and for our First Nations tenant community. We also had some great games, giveaways and an art station for our NAIDOC Kids Colouring-In Competition. A great time was had by all, and we look forward to participating in next year’s event.